Discussion

Chefs Tables - Recommendations?

I am looking for recommendations for chefs tables in the Los Angeles area. I've scoured the boards and prepared a list of places that perform this service. There are a lot of choices, and I'd like to get some opinions on which of these we should try, or, if there is someplace else that we should try? The guest list will be myself and three others for my first wedding anniversary.

Although Ortolan has a terrific tasting menu, and I highly recommend it, there is no true "Chef's Table" as the kitchen is too tiny and crowded; however, they will serve a private dinner in the back room (past the bar, with the fireplace). I am not sure if there is a minimum for that room though. For Bastide, I am not sure how it is currently set up but it should be noted that there is a new chef in town there as Walter Manzke left last week. The new chef is Paul Shoemaker, who used to be chef de cuisine at Providence. That being said, I think Providence is the best bet for a chef's table.

Diana - I should have known what your reply would have been. I read your Life Day post a while back, which may, subconsciously be the reason why Providence was listed first.

hrhboo - I've added your recommendations to the list. If I could, I would certainly edit the original post to remove the places out of business or no longer doing Chef's tables.

ipsedixit - I am definitely looking for Chefs tables, not prix fixe or tasting menu, but rather the full experience. For our rehearsal dinner, we hosted our guests to the Chefs Table at the restaurant attached to the hotel we were staying at. We'd love to go back, but they are working a rather large banquet that night - thus the reason I am here begging ideas.

Table One would be an obvious choice except that the OP only has a party of four people.

If I recall correctly, Table One's price is something like 150/person, with a 1200 minimum. Which essentially means you should plan on going with 7 other people, or otherwise if you go only with 4 people total you'll be paying 300/person ...